Multi-award-winning visitor attraction and landmark described as ‘hidden gem in a jewel of a town’
This multi-award-winning visitor attraction and landmark in Northampton has been described as a “hidden gem in a jewel of a town”.
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House at 78 Derngate offers an unforgettable day out and welcomes the public to enjoy the boutique restaurant, stylish design shop, light-filled art galleries and elegant spaces to hire for meetings, events and functions.
Designed and remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916 in what was the architect’s final major commission in his lifetime, 78 Derngate was meticulously restored and opened to the public between 2002 and 2003.
This is the only place outside of Scotland where Mackintosh’s mature architectural and interior style can be seen in its original setting, and the house has drawn thousands of visitors from around the world.
78 Derngate was famously re-modelled for Mackintosh’s client, Northampton model engineer W.J Bassett-Lowke, and was purchased for him by his father as a wedding present. The house was constructed 100 years prior to that, and the small terraced house underwent a radical transformation by Mackintosh.
Liz Jansson has been the house manager at 78 Derngate since January 2017, which was the centenary year of when Bassett-Lowke moved into the house. Liz loved playing a part in that celebration, with queues of visitors paying a visit.
“You could happily spend a morning or afternoon here,” Liz told the Chronicle & Echo. “You could have a drink in the beautiful weather on the terrace, and then guide yourself around the house or have a guided tour.
“You can browse the galleries and shop, and people are welcome to go back and look at things they want to see again. It’s easy to miss things the first time on a guided tour. It’s a rather special thing to do if you’re visiting Northampton for the first time.”
Liz explained that Mackintosh was a well-known Glaswegian architect and it is unusual to find his work in an area like Northampton, which “puts us on the map”. Liz believes the house is an ideal meeting spot on the edge of the town centre and Cultural Quarter.
“People say they have lived here all their lives and have always wanted to visit,” said Liz. “Tickets last for 12 months and you can come back when the galleries change or in different seasons.
“If you don’t know what to expect it’s quite a surprise. The entrance is professional and impressive, and people who haven’t been to Northampton before say what a nice town it is.
“We send them to the Museum, cafes, restaurants, shops and everything in this area before they go off home. The walk from Delapré Abbey is around an hour and it’s a nice thing to do without using public transport.”
Liz began as a volunteer at 78 Derngate while she ran a marketing agency, as she wanted something else to do and loved the landmark location. She praised the value of passionate volunteers and says they are always looking for newbies to join the team.
The mezzanine gallery areas are currently filled with work by art and textiles sixth form students at Northampton High School, which showcases an abundance of exciting young talent.
Long-standing photographer Barry Roberts, who has been building up his archive for more than six decades, is displaying a wonderful collection of his images until at least the end of March. A story with Barry will be published to the Chronicle & Echo later this week.
The final gallery space is being shared with juxtaposing works by Liam Simington and Piero Serra. Both of these displays, named ‘Flowerheads and the History of Lacrosse in Northamptonshire’ and ‘Architectural Heads (or The Tranquility of Doom)’, will remain until May 31.
Blue Plaques were recently installed along Derngate for Bassett-Lowke and Tom Osborne Robinson. “They acknowledge and recognise patrons,” said Liz. “Bassett-Lowke commissioned Mackintosh and was an influential character in the town.
“It’s a nod to the fact this is a worthwhile heritage site and something to be celebrated. It adds the final finesse.”
These are two of the eight most recent Blue Plaques which recognise people who have made a lasting contribution to the area’s culture, community and innovation. It is part of Histories of Northamptonshire, an Arts Council-funded project led by Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.
Looking to the rest of 2026, the three artists and makers that will be exhibiting in the 78 Derngate galleries from mid-June to late-August are Jane and Toby Birch and John Holt. Liz is optimistic about what the year will hold for the attraction.